DARLINGTON Mowden Park will send five ex-Plymouth players into battle against their former club in Devon today.

Wingers Peter Homan and Jake Henry, lock Tom Jubb, flanker Ali Bone and prop Tom Harrison, who is on the bench, were among the 16 who left Plymouth following their relegation from the Championship.

Coach Graham Dawe, the former England hooker, drafted in a few from Cornwall's County Championship-winning team, which he also coached, and they have settled in mid-table.

Rather than go all the way by coach, Mowden flew from Newcastle to Exeter yesterday, with chairman Mike Keeligan saying: β€œIt's a bit of a culture shock, but we want to play in the national leagues and that's what you get.”

After an improved performance in last week's one-point defeat by Richmond, Mowden make one enforced change because Tomas Appleton is playing for Portugal in the Hong Kong Cup of Nations.

His place at full back goes to Ed Coulson, the England Under 20 squad man who is on loan from Newcastle following his move from Bath.

South African Warren Seals, who will make his second appearance at fly half, is here for the rest of the season. But Mowden are hopeful that Grant Connon will be fit in around six weeks after his latest knee injury.

After ending their seven-match losing run last week, Blaydon will have to do without their dual-registered Newcastle players during the Falcons' European campaign.

Prop Andrew Foster and back row man Callum Chick were on the bench for last night's match at Brive, while Tom Penny started at centre.

Trevor Davison comes in at tight head for Blaydon's trip to Coventry, where they will be wary of a backlash after the Midlanders were thrashed 46-5 at Esher last week, further denting expectations that they would challenge for promotion. Blaydon welcome back centre Tom Bramwell.

In National Two North Tynedale entertain South Leicester, while Billingham are at home to Rossendale in Three North. They recall lock Paul Dalton with Michael Whinn switching to the back row.

West Hartlepool have flanker Aaron Myers available as they look to end a three-game losing run in North One East at home to Wheatley Hills.

The visitors are third bottom after a five-point deduction, but were only narrowly beaten by leaders Doncaster Phoenix in last week's derby.

Prop Adam Coates and flanker Liam Bailey also return for West.

Durham and Northumberland One leaders Durham City visit Ryton, while Middlesbrough, one point behind, are at home to bottom club Darlington.

The return of scrum half Connor Foley allows Sam Gaudie to revert to fly half for Boro, who switch Ash Kearney to blind side with Chris Palmer hooking. Skipper Rob Bellerby returns, so Andy Micklewright moves to full back.

Stockton visit Novos, who are fourth with only two defeats. Full back Jonny Horner, winger Dan Phinn and centre Craig Slaughter are out, so Dan Wilson, Ben Costello and Steve Thornton deputise. Up front Maurice Douthwaite and Todd Highfield are unavailable so Ben Cordiner and Charlie Doherty come in.